Conveniences stores (konbini) in Japan really live up to its name – they really ARE convenient. You can get almost anything there (well, stuff used in case of emergencies, I mean; you obviously can’t get yer pots and pans there) e.g. toiletries of all kinds in case you’re stuck at a particular town/city, missed the last train home, and have to put up a night nearby. Oh, and you can also get a full range of makeup.

Shiseido came up with a konbini range, just to be sold at convenience stores – Kesho Wakusei. The makeup and toiletries such as facial wash, toner, moisturiser, etc are sold in small containers, making it more convenient for the Japanese to carry ’em around. Facial wash, toner and moisturiser (and sometimes even a mask) are sold in a plastic case, giving the the women of today the full 3-step skincare routine. These skincare sets are 1000yen a piece.

I do not know the quality of the makeup range, but I reckon it can’t be bad, since it’s from Shiseido. I only bought a lipstick from the range. It was quite good; the lipstick glides quite nicely on the lips. I wanted to try more, but due to language problems (I was asked a lot of questions when I only bought ONE lipstick! And all the time, I had no friggin’ idea what the cashier was going on and on about), I stuck only to one lipstick.

The lipstick which I bought is shown in the final picture. It’s quite cool; it looks like a pen, and you swivel the bottom for the lipstick to show.

All in all, it’s quite an interesting concept which appeals to the working ladies of Japan. Too bad we don’t have it here. Maybe someone should introduce a makeup and skincare range for our 7-Elevens and D-Limas :p

Another popular konbini brand is DHC, but I’ll leave that to another day.